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Spanish (GCSE)

SPANISH (GCSE)

Examination Board

Edexcel

Level 1 / Level 2 GCSE

Studying a foreign language helps you to open your mind to other cultures, gaining a better understanding of the contemporary society, cultural background and communities of the language being studied. The ability to speak and understand a foreign language is a highly desirable skill, and sought after by future employers in today’s international work market. It is now also possible to combine the study of a foreign language with a multitude of degree courses at university.

Overview of the course

The course develops all four language skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) through the study of various topics. The topics will be linked to identity and culture; local, national international and global areas of interest; education and employment.

Oral fluency is emphasised through role plays, conversations, and presentations in Spanish. Pupils are given the grammatical foundations and language structures required for practical tasks such as writing letters and messages.

Course content

The Edexcel GCSE linear in Spanish is designed as a two-year course. Four units cover assessments in listening, reading, speaking and writing skills.

Unit 1: Listening and understanding in Spanish

Students will be assessed on their ability to identify and note main points, deduce the meaning of words from context, show some understanding of unfamiliar language and recognise attitudes, emotions and opinions.

Unit 2: Speaking in Spanish

Students must demonstrate the ability to use the Spanish language for different purposes and in different settings, and will be assessed in one final exam lasting 10-12 minutes with 12 minutes preparation time. There are three tasks:

· A role-play

· A picture-based discussion

· A conversation covering 2 themes

Unit 3: Reading and understanding in Spanish

This unit draws on vocabulary and structures from across the 4 specified areas – students will be tested on their ability to understand written Spanish. Testing is through a variety of tasks which require a response, written or multiple choice, to demonstrate understanding and to translate a Spanish passage into English.

Unit 4: Writing in Spanish

Assessment will take place through a final exam where students will need to demonstrate extended writing skills using appropriate style and register to respond, at various lengths, to several tasks including translation from English into Spanish. Students will need to write, using various tenses and time frames, extended vocabulary and approximately 240 words to achieve Grade 4 and above.

Assistants

Pupils in Year 10 and 11 have the opportunity to work with the Spanish Assistant to practise conversation topics.

How you will be assessed (F=Foundation, H=Higher)

Unit

Assessment and duration

Maximum marks

Percentage of overall result

Unit 1 : Listening and understanding in Spanish

Exam

Foundation: 35 mins

Higher: 40 mins

+ 5 mins reading time

50

25%

Unit 2 : Speaking in Spanish

Practical speaking exam

Foundation: 7-9 mins

Higher: 10-12 mins

+ 12 mins preparation time

60 F

72 H

25%

Unit 3 : Reading and understanding in Spanish

Exam

Foundation: 45 mins

Higher: 60 mins

50

25%

Unit 4 : Writing in Spanish

Exam

Foundation: 1 hour 10 mins

Higher: 1 hour 20 mins

60

25%

Students who successfully complete this course will be awarded a GCSE graded on a nine point scale: 1 to 9 – where 9 is the best grade.

Post-16 courses available to you:

The ability to speak a modern foreign language is becoming more and more highly regarded by both Universities and employers alike. Foreign language skills are a valuable asset for a variety of careers such as business, finance and tourism, law, advertising, air-traffic control, European Union (EU) officials, import/export; interpreting, translation, education.

Successful students may move on to study A level Spanish in The Sandon Sixth Form.